Are pools, splash pads open in Tri-Cities? Here’s where to cool off this summer
Memorial Day marked the unofficial start of summer in Tri-Cities.
While not every day is hot yet, bouts of warmer weather have already hit the region.
If you need somewhere to cool off, the majority of public pools and splash pads in Tri-Cities opened over Memorial Day weekend.
Here’s where to find pools, splash pads and swimming beaches, plus safety tips for visiting.
Where are public pools in Tri-Cities?
There are several public pools across Tri-Cities, including some smaller wading pools:
- George Prout Pool, 1005 Swift Blvd., Richland
- Howard Amon Park Wading Pool, 500 Amon Park Drive, Richland
- Kenneth Serier Memorial Pool, 315 West Sixth Ave., Kennewick
- Mushroom Pool, 315 West Sixth Ave., Kennewick
- Memorial Aquatic Park, 1520 West Shoshone St., Pasco
Check each pool’s rules and hours of operation before visiting. Some charge a small fee for visitors.
As of Monday, June 1, some pools had yet to open.
The long-awaited Pasco Aquatic Center opens for swimming on Saturday, June 27, at 5204 Road 108.
What are the best local beaches for swimming?
Richland’s Columbia Point Marina Park at 660 Columbia Point Drive has a swimming beach, a designated sandy shore not far from separate boat access.
Richland has a larger beach for swimming at Leslie Groves Park at 40 Park St., near walking trails and volleyball courts.
Where can I find splash pads in Tri-Cities?
If you have smaller children or just need a quick way to cool down, a splash pad may be a good option.
There are several across Tri-Cities:
- Badger Mountain Splash Pad, 50 Keene Road, Richland
- Columbia Park Splash Pad, 1903 Columbia Park Trail, Kennewick
- Grange Park Splash Pad, 600 South Union St., Kennewick
- Southridge Sports and Events Complex, 2901 Southridge Blvd., Kennewick
- Civic Park Splash Pad, 315 West Sixth Ave., Kennewick
- Kurtzman Splash Pad, 285 South Wehe Ave., Pasco
Safety tips for using swimming pools
Safety is paramount when using a swimming pool.
Before visiting, check the weather forecast for the day and plan for any excessive heat. Bring a water bottle, lots of sunscreen and some form of shade, such as a hat or umbrella.
The Washington State Department of Health says kids should never be left unsupervised around water.
Drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related death among kids age 1 to 14, and cases usually involve kids left alone for less than five minutes, according to the department.
When going swimming, make sure at least one person in your group knows CPR and basic life-saving protocols in case of an emergency. Keep a phone within close distance of water recreation in case someone needs to call 911.
Additionally, the state Health Department recommends following any posted rules and enforcing your own policies to avoid injury, including never roughhousing or running near pools.
Water should be at least nine feet deep before diving is allowed.
The Washington State Department of Health cautions against mixing alcohol with water recreation, as sun exposure heightens alcohol’s impacts.
According to the state Health Department, alcohol is involved in 25% to 50% of water recreation deaths in Washington state.
This article includes updated information from a previous article, originally published in June 2025.